What You Need to Know About the Texas Mathematics Academies

The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Texas Mathematics Academies (TMA) represent a major statewide initiative to strengthen mathematics instruction and improve student outcomes. Pilot implementation of the program for kindergarten through grade 3 will begin in the 2026-2027 school year. Let’s explore what you need to know about the new Texas Mathematics Academies.

The Big Picture

• Legislative Requirement: Participation in the Texas Mathematics Academies is mandated by Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.0071 House Bill (HB) 2, and requires completion of the Texas Mathematics Academies for K-3 staff by the end of the 2030–31 school year. 
• A Solid Mathematics Foundation: The academies aim to build expertise in delivering effective, systematic mathematics instruction through research-based strategies. Grounded in the science of learning, the Texas Mathematics Academies are designed to strengthen pedagogical knowledge throughout the required modules. The academies focus on grade-level specific foundational skills in fluency, problem-solving, place value, early fraction concepts, and whole number operations.

Funding & Costs

• Registration Fee: $1,200 per participant, funded through the Early Childhood Allotment.
• Stipends: Districts must pay a $50 per hour stipend if they require attendance outside of normal contracted service days.

Who is Required to Attend?

• Mandatory Roles: Classroom teachers who provide instruction in mathematics to students in grades K–3, along with principals, assistant principals, mathematics instructional coaches, and mathematics interventionists at campuses serving these grades.
• Optional Participation: Professional development for grades 4 and 5 (the “Deep Dives”) remains optional but highly encouraged.

The Academy Experience: Structure & Pathways

• Time Commitment: A total of 30 hours of coursework designed to be completed over an 11-month period.
• Blended Learning: The program uses a mix of face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous experiences.
• Customized Pathways: Local school systems will determine the pathway that best fits an educator’s role:
  • Administrator
  • Kindergarten/Grade 1
  • Grade 2
  • Grade 3

Module Breakdown: What You’ll Learn

• Modules 1 & 2 (Live Facilitation): Focus on the “connected story” of K–5 math, student engagement, and high-quality instructional materials.

• Module 3 (Asynchronous): Covers the Science of Learning, including memory, cognitive load, and the instructional hierarchy.

• Module 4 (Asynchronous): Dives into explicit instruction for novice learners and the role of inquiry.

• Module 5 (Asynchronous): Focuses on effective practice techniques like retrieval, spaced, and interleaved practice.

Beyond K–3: The Grade 4 & 5 “Deep Dives”

• Overview: Formerly known as Mathematics Achievement Academies, these are 18-hour, face-to-face sessions held over three days.
• Grade 4 Focus: Addition/subtraction of whole and rational numbers, multiplication/division of whole numbers and fraction concepts.
• Grade 5 Focus: Addition/subtraction of whole and rational numbers, multiplication/division of whole and rational numbers, and fraction operations. 
• Stipends are to be provided by districts to educators who attend outside of contract hours.

Implementation Timeline & Next Steps

• SY 2026–2027: The K–3 TMA Statewide Pilot year; interested districts should contact their regional Education Service Center (ESC).
• SY 2027–2028: Authorized provider applications open for districts.

Next Steps

• Check out the Texas Mathematics Academies FAQ Document to review frequently asked questions.
• Connect with your district leadership or regional Education Service Center (ESC) to understand your timeline, pathway, and expectations for participation. If you are in Region 13, please connect with the Authorized Provider, Alejandra Gonzalez (alejandra.gonzalez@esc13.txed.net)

ESC Region 13 is here to help! Connect with Alejandra Gonzalez with additional questions about Texas Mathematics Academies. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and resources in Mathematics and other subject areas. Visit our website for professional development opportunities, math-related services, resources, and products. For more articles related to mathematics, visit the ESC Region 13 blog.

Resources:

• https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/texas-mathematics-academies
• https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/tma-k-3-overview.pdf
• House Bill 2: Texas Mathematics Academies | Frequently Asked Questions
• House Bill 2